Raising Three Sons- Not a Bow in Sight!

A glimpse of life lately

2012-01-18T06:44:00.002-06:00

A fun photo shoot...

Chef W.

2011-12-06T00:00:00.000-06:00

W. has expressed to us several times that he wants to be a chef. Then at school they made hats to show what they want to be when they grow up and he made a chef's hat. Now he wears it around the kitchen and helps when Scott and I are cooking. It's so cute I could just eat him up :)

October Catch Up

2011-12-04T18:23:00.001-06:00

As is our tradition...we went to the Pumpkin Patch!

2011-11-10T18:32:00.001-06:00

Things that make me cry right now...that beautiful kind of cry when you've just witnessed something amazing:

The first 10 minutes of "Up"

Hearing my son (who is in Kindergarten) read a 2nd/3rd grade level book

The music montages at the end of "Parenthood" every week (anyone else but me love this show?)

Friends having new babies all around me

John Mayer's version of "Free Fallin"

Studying the book of Romans...God's great love letter to us

Seeing my children walk in truth

Our blessed, beautiful life- our busy noisy days, our quiet nights

The joy that intermingles with the pain

Playing Catch-Up: September

2011-10-27T20:35:00.001-05:00

School started just like normal but this year I have two kids going to elementary school. That's two kids with homework every night. Two kids with activities. Two kids with different needs in different areas.

On top of that, September was a blur. We had two birthdays, our 10 year wedding anniversary, a family wedding and Scott and I started a new ministry at our church. Life has been full and we are truly blessed.

Some highlights from the month:

W. turned 6:

We also found out J. needed glasses. I was pretty nervous about an eight year old boy getting glasses (would he be teased? would he lose them? would he be scarred for life?) but it turns out he is adjusting fine. They've only broken once (a little screw came out) and he's pretty proud to wear them, according to his teachers.

Plus, he looks so darn cute!

I've missed everyone and have not even had time to read anyone else's blog. Between children's homework, activities, chores, bible studies, and starting a ministry we are swamped. I hope to be able to return to some sort of regular posting again soon.

Until then I'm playing catch-up...

And I'm not sure how I feel about the new Blogger interface...what do you think?

Questions kids ask

2011-08-30T06:46:00.000-05:00

After a very long day of Kindergarten W. was speechless. All I could get out of him was "It was awesome!" and that was it. He was so overwhelmed by it all that he really had no words.

Then later W. came to me at bedtime and asked, "Mommy, where do all the teachers sleep at night?"

I guess his little mind was still trying to process it all :)

First Day of School

2011-08-29T06:46:00.000-05:00

My proud Kindergartener.

My easy going third grader.

Brothers headed off to school together for the fist time.

My capricious three-year old ready for preschool.

Last week was a full week! We are truly blessed.

On vacation...

2011-08-03T20:34:00.000-05:00

Hope you are having a great week...we're on vacation!

He got the point

2011-07-27T11:13:00.000-05:00

The other night the first "Harry Potter" movie was on. Since it was on one of the three big networks and edited for all audiences we decided to watch it as a family. None of us had ever seen any of the Harry Potter movies and we wanted to know if they were any good.

About five minutes into the movie, J. started asking questions. Questions about the movie. Which none of us have seen so we don't know the answer to anyway. And now the questions are keeping us from hearing the movie at all. So we said to him, "J. just watch the movie and all your questions will be answered. We haven't seen this either so we don't know." He didn't like this response and continued to ask questions throughout the movie. But our response remained the same.

Then today my kids were watching the "Ant Bully". A movie that they've watched at least four or five times now since it came on Netflix but I've not seen yet. As I was eating a snack I sat down on the couch and watched a few minutes of it. Since I had no idea what was going on I thought I'd ask what was happening.

"Why is the little boy so small?" I asked, "Did he get shrunk by a laser or something?"

"Just watch the movie and find out Mom. Don't ask so many questions," J. retorted.

I guess he understood our point.

I'm almost back

2011-07-25T21:28:00.000-05:00

J. lost a tooth yesterday. It was the first normal thing that our family has experienced all summer. He was so proud. Coming to show me the tooth and the gaping hole in his mouth where it came from. And for a second things felt normal.

When a storm hits it often takes a while for the damage to be assessed and for repairs to be made. And that's how it's been for me this summer. A storm hit right in the beginning and then things just started happening one after another and for a brief moment I began to lose sight of "normal."

I can't say exactly what happened but a family member has made some choices that have devastated me. There I said it. That person's decisions have devastated me for the better portion of my life and now things have really hit rock bottom. I've cried out to God and begged Him to change this person, but it seems for now he is a lost soul who is not responding to God's leading. Repentance cannot be found in him. And I am sad.

And when you top that with a broken A/C which was $6,000 to replace (which Dave Ramsey's $1000 emergency fund does NOT cover) and then a broken dishwasher, and then new tires for the car, and then another car that doesn't pass inspection due to repairs...well you can see how a financial snowball has occurred...and going in the opposite direction of Dave's plan that we've diligently tried to follow. And it's left me wondering if I should go back to work.

So you can see how the loss of a tooth brought back the "normal" for just a little while. For a little while we got to glimpse what our life was like before the chaos of the summer came. And just for a moment I felt like the damage had been assessed...and the repairs had begun...

What to Blog About...or not

2011-07-10T21:29:00.000-05:00

I usually blog about real life around here. Only lately real life has been rather...well...private. We are in a challenging season right now. A season that is filled with multiple challenges at once. And it's left me a bit stunned and unable to put thoughts together here on this blog.

You know how life turns on a dime? One minute things are all in a row and then suddenly the dominoes begin to fall one by one? Well that's how the last two months have felt.

All I can say is that God is good and that He is in control. And I will praise Him in this storm. It's what I am compelled to do.

And just know that I'm here...praising Him...and taking life one day at a time. And hopefully, I will have something funny to blog about soon...I promise...my kids are due for a funny story :)

Sunday Ramblings

2011-06-26T13:45:00.000-05:00

Summer is here and we've had quite a summer so far.

We've been to the pool, saw "Cars 2" and "Kung Fu Panda 2", played endless games of Uno, made crazy creations with Legos, had 2 birthday parties for my sons, went to a wedding shower, went to one VBS (with still one more to go), sang and danced to the VBS music, read stories, and much much more.

Plus, amongst it all we had our A/C go out last weekend leaving us in a very HOT house. Luckily we were able to get it fixed the next day and all was well again.

Plus, last week I was sick. So, long story short, I just haven't had time to sit here and write all the amazing thoughts I've been having :)

However, there are a few reads that I've come across in the last month that I must pass on to you...

@Baby Bangs: I wanted to write a post about rejection and well...how much I fear it...and how it happened to me recently in a place I didn't expect. But I'm still working through it with God and it's still too close to my heart to share. Amanda wrote about the core issue in her post "The Fear of Man"...it's a must read for anyone who wants everyone to like them...especially at church.

@LysaTerKeurst: "the rare word"- Lysa touches on an issue that is a tough one for me, you know, living in Texas where it's really HOT! Ahem, I'll try not to complain about it too much...and find the good.

@Steady Mom: "On a Momma's Meltdown and a Child's Compassion"...the title says it all :)

What good reads have you found lately?

And then I got sick

2011-06-13T10:17:00.001-05:00

Twas the first week of summer at our house and MOM got sick....and purchased a Neti-Pot...and took Sudafed for the first time in years...

See you in a few days!

Things they said today

2011-06-07T17:14:00.000-05:00

This morning was an unusual morning. Everyone got up and ate breakfast on time and so the kids had some time on their hands before we could go to the pool. I took the opportunity to check my e-mail and read a few blogs. In the mean time they got really rowdy and I could hear them in there wrestling. Then S. started screaming- LOUD- so I went to see what was going on. It turned out that nothing in particular was really going down but they were just so excited that they kept getting louder and louder in their playing. Immediately, I sat down on the floor and grabbed them all into my lap. "Let's pray," I said.

I prayed for them to love each other and for their play to be kind and gentle. I prayed for God to quiet their spirits and to help them when they feel excited to stay calm. Right after I prayed they started playing again and I stayed right there with them. Pretty soon S. was not getting his way and he began to scream.
"It didn't work," W. said.

"What didn't work?" I asked.

"The prayer. God didn't make S. be quiet." W. quickly replied...

Beginnings and Endings

2011-06-03T08:47:00.000-05:00

First day of second grade:

Last day of second grade:

He's growing up way too fast!

Questions from the floor 3

2011-06-01T18:49:00.000-05:00

Both Sara and Jenn asked me:

What do you do with your "Beth" time (you know when you're not being "mommy" or "wifey")?

1. I blog/read blogs. I probably spend about 30-45 minutes a day reading all of your precious blogs. Although I have not commented a lot lately. Sorry about that. It used to be that I spent an hour or two on the computer every day when S. was just a baby and took 2 luxuriously long naps per day. Now we're down to one nap...and that's getting shorter and shorter. Of course, I have not been updating this blog as often since we moved to this stage where I can't take my eyes off of him for two seconds...but I expect that will change...especially since he's turning 3 this weekend.

2. I exercise. This might be a boring thing to do but hear me out. I have found time to exercise at least three days a week for the past six years now and it does wonders for my body and soul. There is nothing like turning up my Ipod and going for a run...or lifting weights...to really get my stress out. I feel totally chilled out after a good sweat.

3. I sleep. Need I say more? Three little boys will do that to you.

4. I read books...which usually leads to #3 eventually :)

5. I love movies. I'm a movie buff and I enjoy a really good romantic comedy. Or a period piece set in England...yeah those are always good :)

6. I sing. For a while there I was singing on the praise team at my church. But right now I just sing to my kids...or to myself, stereo blaring in the car.

7. I go where the people are. Being the extrovert that I am, I get my energy from other people. So I get involved in a lot of social activities and groups to help me stay connected. Whether it's a mom's groups, a bible studies, or a play-date, I have to have me some face to face people time. And getting involved in the lives of others fulfills me in the best way.

What about you? What do you do with your personal time when you're not being a "mommy" or "wife"?

Congratulations W.!

2011-05-30T09:06:00.000-05:00

We have another Pre-K graduate in the house. And for me it was much more difficult to handle emotionally. My little guy is going to be in Kindergarten next year. Sigh.

And J. wearing his "8" hat for his birthday, since W. graduated on his birthday and all... He wore this hat the whole day :)

All in a Week's Work...

2011-05-25T14:37:00.000-05:00

Questions from the floor 2

2011-05-23T20:50:00.000-05:00

Amanda asked:

What about being a parent has had the most impact on your walk with God? Negative and positive.

Good question Amanda.

From the moment I held my first born in my arms I felt God tugging at my heart strings. For the first time in my life I truly felt His power and His grace in the gift of my son. At the same time I was never so acutely aware of my need for Jesus as I was when my first son was born (and even more so as I had more children). Having a child drove me to my knees in the most beautiful way. The thing about parenting that transformed me the most was realizing that I was definitely not in control anymore. Before children I was what I would call a casual Christian. I believed in and loved God, I knew I was going to heaven, I prayed to Him when I was in need. But when I had a baby I realized that I was always in need. My relationship with God dramatically changed because I began to pursue Him and His word in a way I never had before.

Becoming a parent has also impacted all my relationships- including my relationship with God. Suddenly, with the birth of a child, I was no longer able to keep up with all the latest going on with my friends. I couldn't go out on Friday nights with the girls anymore. Scott and I couldn't go to a late movie. Even extended-family events took a backseat to what was now my new family- my husband and children- and its priorities. In other words, everything changed. And while I felt that urge to be in God's word constantly and have lots of quiet time with Him...suddenly I had no time for anyone...even myself.

So what birthed from this great need for God and lack of time was a beautiful relationship of what I call "constant communication." I pray all the time. Literally. My most frequent prayer being, "Lord, please help me!" I listen to God's word on CD/podcast while I'm doing housework. I step outside when the kids are playing and reflect on His goodness. I have removed and reduced many of the things that were "distracting" me from God (TV, computer time, constantly trying to keep up with the "Joneses", trying to keep everyone in my life happy) and have formed a relationship with God that flows along naturally with the rhythms of my life.

Of course, God uses parenting all the time to show me things about myself that need "correcting." As I am reprimanding my children for something I'll feel that still small voice convict me of the same thing. And so as I look to God for direction in parenting He also parents me...ever so gently.

Becoming a parent has caused me to re-prioritize my life correctly, giving God first place. And although it's difficult at times, and I definitely don't do everything right all the time- with God first all the other things that are important in life seem to fall into their proper place.

Questions from the floor

2011-05-18T19:52:00.000-05:00

So you asked me some questions the other day and I'm going to start answering them.

Sara asked:

If you could use one word to describe each person in your family what would they all be? (including me)

Scott: Patient

J. (8 years old): Energetic

W.(5 years old): Creative

S.(2 years old): Daring

Me: Passionate

Sara also asked me what my favorite scripture is. Wow. This is hard for me.

A few years ago I started underlining scriptures in my Bible when they really spoke to me or I really needed them to get through something difficult. After a while I started realizing that some books of my Bible were almost entirely underlined. For me, the book that stands out the most is Philippians. I just can't even read it without a lump in my throat. Knowing what Paul was suffering...and yet he chose joy. In fact he uses the words joy and rejoice 13 times in the four short chapters...all while he was in chains for Christ.

My favorite segment is:

"Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4-7

God showed me this scripture during the most pivotal point of my life. He let me know He was near.

So, let me ask you. What one word would you use to describe yourself? And if you have one, what is your favorite scripture?

Eight

2011-05-16T19:14:00.000-05:00

Joke of the day

2011-05-11T12:15:00.000-05:00

J. (my almost-eight year old) is in that funny stage of joke-telling. He's been checking out some joke books from the library. Definitely age appropriate jokes...but usually not very funny. Of course I don't let him know that. I laugh along with him as he reads me the jokes, sometimes going through the whole book in one car drive :)

Now things have progressed to where he's starting to make up his own jokes...and have me make up jokes as well. Today it went something like this:

J: Mom, why did the pig cross the road?

Me: Why?

J: To get to the chicken.

We laughed.

Okay now it was my turn...

Me: Why did the rooster cross the road?

J. : Why?

Me: He was just following the chicken...and the pig!

And laughter filled the car :)

Impatience

2011-05-07T04:17:00.002-05:00

Impatience.

I want to eat dinner but it's only 3:30...and I don't want to wait

I'm stuck in traffic...and I have to wait

I always pick the slowest line at the grocery store...and I have to wait

My five year old walks s-l-o-w-l-y from the car to the school...and I have to wait

I can't wait for Christmas

I can't wait for Friday

It's in the waiting that the anxiety rises. The impatience. I want it RIGHT now but it is slow in coming.

In our fast-paced, drive-thru society I can become convinced that I shouldn't have to wait. That I deserve to have it all right now. And that can cause so many problems.

But I'll tell you something I've discovered lately. My impatience...my RIGHT now mentality- is flat-out DISBELIEF. It's disbelief that God is in control of this very moment and that He is providing for my every need. I'm so busy focusing on what I want (that is not happening quickly enough) that I miss the blessings of the moment. And I'm disbelieving that God has given me a spirit of patience. All I have to do is exercise patience.

All I have to do is breathe in and out slowly

...and smile while I'm waiting

...and bless others while I'm waiting

...and pray while I'm waiting

...and enjoy those little moments walking my five year old to school

...and breathe

...and believe God

...and trust Him for this moment

Play Rules

2011-05-06T07:36:00.000-05:00

Okay, I don't mean to brag..but there are certain moments as a parent that bring you a certain amount of pride. And I think for me, one of those moments is seeing my children do something together that's creative.

J. (my soon-to-be 8 year old) is definitely the organizer/leader of the pack (a trait that I can only guess he got from me (pride beaming again!). Last night around dinner time, in an effort to avoid eating dinner and doing homework (my they are smart aren't they?), they decided they wanted to put on a play for Scott and I. And this play was to take place when Daddy got home from work. Only yesterday, Daddy was about an hour late getting home so they were able to put off dinner and homework a full hour (another smart move). While they were waiting they made masks for each character they would play and went outside to practice their lines.

Finally, Daddy was home and they play was about to commence. J. instructed us to go upstairs to their bedroom for the show. But first he pointed out the "Play Rules" which he had taped to his bedroom door:

1. Phone Silent
2. No leaving
3. No Drinks
4. Quiet
5. No crying (which I thought was obvious from #4 but I guess he felt the need to reiterate the point)

I guess they understand the rules when you are seeing a live performance ;)

My heart beamed with pride.

It just wouldn't feel like home around here...

2011-05-03T19:31:00.000-05:00

...without some holes in our sheet-rock!